Browse Topic: Trucking fleets

Items (48)

Improving the Carbon Footprint of Long-Haul Trucks Running on First-Generation Biodiesel

2025-01-500701/27/2025

Lowering carbon emissions from road-based transport is required to achieve climate targets. In addition to passenger cars, long-haul trucks contribute more than one-third of on-road generated carbon emissions. Therefore, this sector has great potential to reduce such emissions. Numerous options including electrified drivetrains are possible. Nevertheless, the existing fleet of trucks powered by conventional diesel engines also needs to be addressed. Additionally, a ramp-up of green electricity and charging infrastructure is required to ensure carbon-neutral and reliable transport. Heavy-duty diesel engines are typically suitable for use with first-generation biofuels. However, operational restrictions, such as shorter oil drain intervals are mandatory for users. In the case at hand, the oil change was mandatory after only 30,000 km when pure biodiesel (B100) was used instead of 120,000 km when operating on conventional, mineral oil-based diesel. These boundaries counter efforts to

Rohbogner, Christoph J., Heine, Carsten

Lightning eMotors adapts to changing electrification market

22TOFHP08_0508/01/2022

A growing number of commercial truck fleets are moving to electric vehicles, driven partially by government mandates and support funding. For suppliers like Lightning eMotors, that means adapting to changing markets and creating designs for both a range of new vehicles and techniques that efficiently convert aging internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electrified powertrains. Lightning is currently expanding its efforts in repowering ICE trucks and buses with electric systems, but it's also inked new vehicle partnerships with General Motors and school bus supplier Blue Bird Corp. Founded in 2008, Lightning began with a focus on hybrid vehicles but switched to fully electric designs in 2016.

Costlow, Terry

Strategic partnerships target SAE Level-4 trucks

20TOFHP12_0812/01/2020

The parade of strategic partnerships in the autonomous-trucking space continues with Daimler Trucks and Waymo teaming to develop SAE Level-4 trucks. The Oct. 27 announcement followed Navistar and then Traton, which agreed to acquire the remainder of Navistar for $3.7 billion in mid-October, partnering with San Diego-based TuSimple on L4 technology deployment. The initial effort involves a “unique version” of Daimler's Freightliner Cascadia being equipped with a scaled version of Waymo's automated-driver technology, which has been developed and refined over the past decade since starting as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009. Waymo claims its dubbed “World's Most Experienced Driver” L4 setup has driven more than 20 million miles (32 million km) on public roads across the U.S. and 15 billion miles (24 billion km) in simulation.

Gehm, Ryan

SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Innovating Commercial Trucking

1291110/15/2020

There is more to Penske than meets the eye. As the largest non-governmental commercial trucking fleet in the world, Penske has instilled a culture of learning to tackle practical innovations to improve and advance the industry. This week, we welcome Bill Combs, Vice President of Connected Vehicle Strategy and Experimentation at Penske Transportation Solutions, to the podcast for a deep dive into the world of commercial trucking. The conversation kicks off in a unique way as Bill compares the lessons he learned experimenting with food ingredients in culinary school with the technology experimentation he now works on at Penske. Bill discusses how some of Penske's partnerships with companies like Daimler and TuSimple have enabled the organization to better serve all of its fleet and maintenance partners through learnings about electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and data analytics. Bill explores the changing landscape of the commercial vehicle industry, tackling the issues of

Hineman, Marcie

Quotes from COMVEC 2018

18TOFHP10_0910/01/2018

Industry leaders spoke extensively about all things autonomous-ADAS, big data, connectivity, cybersecurity, machine learning-at the annual SAE event. Here's some of what they had to say. Troy Clarke, Chairman, President & CEO, Navistar “We could [fully] automate 10, 20 percent of the truck fleet that exists and really not disrupt one driver because there's that much need for drivers today.”

Characterization of GHG Reduction Technologies in the Existing Fleet

2018-01-126804/03/2018

By almost any definition, technology has penetrated the U.S. light-duty vehicle fleet significantly in conjunction with the increased stringency of fuel economy and GHG emissions regulations. The physical presence of advanced technology components provides one indication of the efforts taken to reduce emissions, but that alone does not provide a complete measure of the benefits of a particular technology application. Differences in the design of components, the materials used, the presence of other technologies, and the calibration of controls can impact the performance of technologies in any particular implementation. The effectiveness of a technology for reducing emissions will also be influenced by the extent to which the technologies are applied towards changes in vehicle operating characteristics such as improved acceleration, or customer features that may offset mass reduction from the use of lightweight materials. This paper begins with an examination of trends in the

Bolon, Kevin, Moskalik, Andrew, Newman, Kevin, Hula, Aaron, Neam, Anthony, Mikkelsen, Brandon

A Study of In-Service Truck Weights

2017-01-142403/28/2017

Collision reconstruction often involves calculations and computer simulations, which require an estimation of the weights of the involved vehicles. Although weight data is readily available for automobiles and light trucks, there is limited data for heavy vehicles, such as tractor-semitrailers, straight trucks, and the wide variety of trailers and combinations that may be encountered on North American roads. Although manufacturers always provide the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for these vehicles, tare weights are often more difficult to find, and in-service loading levels are often unknown. The resulting large uncertainty in the weight of a given truck can often affect reconstruction results. In Canada, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario conducted a Commercial Vehicle Survey in 2012 that consisted of weight sampling over 45,000 heavy vehicles of various configurations. This paper analyzes that weight data according to the vehicle configuration, body style, and total

Fabbroni, Mark, Rovt, Jennifer, Paquette, Mark

Analysis of Video Event Recorder Data Used for Accident Reconstruction

2014-01-238809/30/2014

Trucking fleets are increasingly installing video event recorders in their vehicles. The video event recorder system is usually mounted near the vehicle's rear view mirror, and consists of two cameras: one looking forward and one looking towards the driver. The system also contains accelerometers that record lateral and longitudinal g-loading, and some may record vehicle speed (in mph) based on GPS positions. The unit constantly monitors vehicle acceleration and speed, and also records video. However, the recorded data is only stored when a preset acceleration threshold is met. The primary use of the system is to assist fleets with driver training and education, but the recorded data is also being used as a tool to reconstruct accidents. By integrating the accelerometer data, the vehicle speed and distance traveled during the event can be calculated. However, the calculated speeds and distances from video event recorder data may differ from reconstructions based on data taken from

Ball, Jeffrey K., Kittel, Mark, Buss, Trevor, Weiss, Greg

Fuel Efficiency Improvements in Heavy Truck Wheel Systems through Advanced Bearing Design and Technology

2014-01-233009/30/2014

The base design of commercial vehicle wheel end systems has changed very little over the past 50 years. Current bearings for R-drive and trailer wheel end systems were designed between the 1920's and the 1960's and designs have essentially remained the same. Over the same period of time, considerable gains have been made in bearing design, manufacturing capabilities and materials science. These gains allow for the opportunity to significantly increase bearing load capacity and improve efficiency. Government emissions regulations and the need for fuel efficiency improvements in truck fleets are driving the opportunity for redesigned wheel end systems. The EPA and NHTSA standard requires up to 23% reduction in emissions and fuel consumption by 2017 relative to the 2010 baseline for heavy-duty tractor combinations. This paper summarizes the history of current wheel end bearing designs and the opportunity for change to lighter-weight, cooler-running and more fuel-efficient wheel bearing

Zwick, Matt

Application of a Tractive Energy Analysis to Quantify the Benefits of Advanced Efficiency Technologies for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks Using Characteristic Drive Cycle Data

2012-01-036104/16/2012

Accurately predicting the fuel savings that can be achieved with the implementation of various technologies developed for fuel efficiency can be very challenging, particularly when considering combinations of technologies. Differences in the usage of highway vehicles can strongly influence the benefits realized with any given technology, which makes generalizations about fuel savings inappropriate for different vehicle applications. A model has been developed to estimate the potential for reducing fuel consumption when advanced efficiency technologies, or combinations of these technologies, are employed on highway vehicles, particularly medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The approach is based on a tractive energy analysis applied to drive cycles representative of the vehicle usage, and the analysis specifically accounts for individual energy loss factors that characterize the technologies of interest. This tractive energy evaluation is demonstrated by analyzing measured drive cycles from a

LaClair, Tim J.

In Fleet Testing of Fuel Saving Measures

2010-01-203810/05/2010

An economical method for reliably determining fleet fuel savings that arises out of the application of a vehicle fuel saving measure is presented. The method relies on testing the device on a random sample of vehicles during normal fleet operations. The sample size is determined by variations in fuel economy inherent in the fleet and the minimum increase in fuel economy needed for a desired return on investment in the device. This reduces the probability that the sample is biased. The sample fuel economy is compared to that of an untreated control group of trucks which can be the rest of the fleet or a subset with certain characteristics, like similar idling percentage. The final results provide a range of fuel economy enhancements at a given confidence level. The method has been applied to validate in operation fuel economy increase of a flatbed tractor trailer fleet due to Sinhatech's Deturbulator aero-drag reducing device.

Sinha, Sumon Kumar, Sinha PhD, Sujata

Planning Observations by Unmanned Surface Vessels

TBMG-486006/01/2008

Three algorithms, and software that implements the algorithms, have been conceived and analyzed as means of effecting automated planning of scientific observations by a fleet of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) equipped with sensors and operating over a large and possibly changing ocean area. Typical observations envisioned in the development of these algorithms include water-temperature measurements ahead of the path of a hurricane (see figure) and fluorometer readings to track harmful algal blooms.

Synthetic diesel engine oil

AUTODEC00_0412/01/2000

Researchers at ExxonMobil have developed an advanced lubricant for heavy-duty diesel engines. Operators of heavy-duty diesel engines continue to express interest in extending the distance traveled and time between engine service intervals to reduce vehicle downtime and increase the overall profit contribution of each piece of equipment. Extending oil-drain intervals also lowers purchasing costs for engine oil and filters, labor costs to conduct scheduled maintenance, and disposal costs for used oil and filters. Oil-drain interval extension must be carefully monitored and a suitable high-performance lubricant used to ensure that engine durability and reliability are not diminished, thus negating the monetary benefits of extending the oil-drain interval. According to ExxonMobil, the choice of an appropriate extended-service lubricant is particularly critical for modern low-emissions diesel engines, which expose the oil to a more severe operating environment.

Truck Size and Weight Policy Issues in the Texas-Mexico Border Region

98282211/16/1998

This paper is an empirical analysis of trucking and truck size and weight (TS&W) regulations and policy issues in the Texas-Mexico border region. Truck size and weight regulations and policy issues that result from those regulations have an effect on the trucking activity, freight movements, highway safety, and the economy of a region. To evaluate policy issues in a region like the U.S.-Mexico border, it is necessary to first of all, understand the trucking activity and freight movements that take place in this area of the country. With this understanding it is possible to draw conclusions regarding TS&W policy, which may assist decision-makers address policy questions from the perspective of this border.

Montufar, Jeannette, Middleton, Dan, Mendoza, Alberto, Ritchey, Benjamin

Potentials of Onboard Diagnostics and Monitoring and the Impact on the Enterprise Infrastructure

98C05110/19/1998

This paper will first take a look at what kind of services onboard diagnostics and monitoring offer. This is done by briefly looking at both the automotive and the aviation industry. Following this, a closer look is taken at the potentials of such systems. Particular attention is given to potential benefits of onboard diagnostics and monitoring in connection with other backend systems. Again, the paper takes examples from related industries (namely aviation and truck fleet management) to generate ideas. Finally, a look is taken at the impact that the realization of the full potential of onboard diagnostics and monitoring might have on the enterprise IT infrastructure, particularly related to enterprise IT systems such as data warehouses or data marts for vehicle data.

Snook, Harry, Alfaro, Enrique

Current and Expected Usage of PC's in Heavy Truck Maintenance

96222910/01/1996

The usage of personal computers by members of The Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations has been measured through primary market research. Survey results indicate that maintenance management utilization of personal computers is significant and can be expected to continue to grow over the next several years. The computer platform is relatively new and includes peripherals such as communications modems and CD-ROM. Applications most prevalent today are office management and personal productivity packages. Future demand is for more vertical software specific to maintenance training, diagnostics and management.

Crump, Robert, Michaels, Bryan

Trolley Assist for Electric Drive Trucks

95119804/01/1995

Trolley assist continues to receive interest from users of electric drive haulage trucks. This paper discusses some of the reasons for this interest and discusses features of the trolley assist systems, including the truck controls. The paper also includes a hypothetical example which compares the performance of a conventional diesel electric truck to that of an electric drive truck with trolley assist.

Crawford, Ronald D.

The Effects of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester on Diesel Engine Performance, Exhaust Emissions and Long-Term Behavior - A Summary of Three Years of Experimentation

95005302/01/1995

In partnership with French authorities, official laboratories and transport companies, ONIDOL, the French Oilcrop, Association, has managed an experimental programme on the use of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester (RME) as diesel fuel. For three years, 30 % - 70 % blends of RNM and diesel fuel, 50 % - 50 % blends and pure ester have been tested on regular bus services as well as on fleets of trucks and light vehicles. At present, in about 60 French cities, some 2,000 vehicles are using 30 % RME and more. Such a large-scale program has given extremely accurate information, leading to nation-wide use. Three fleets have been following a stricter control of lubricating oil and engine deposits with reference vehicles performing the same service on diesel fuel. Chassis dynamometer tests have also enabled a more precise comparison of performance and emissions to be obtained. Fuel consumption, emissions, cold performance, long-term behavior of engine parts and lubricating oil are compared. The use of

Staat, Frédéric, Gateau, Paul

National Spatial Data Infrastructure for IVHS in the USA

91275010/01/1991

Practically all systems falling into the category of “IVHS” have a need for computerized spatial data, whether they be in-car navigation devices, dispatching or fleet management services or route guidance systems. System developers are faced with having to build customized spatial databases as an additional cost and headache beyond hardware, software and marketing challenges. Despite the wide range of functions that various types of IVHS systems perform, there is a large amount of overlap in database content required to support these systems. The author proposes an elemental definition of a generic database supporting most IVHS functions. Several Federal agencies provide pieces of a generic IVHS spatial data infrastructure. The paper reviews these database resources from the standpoints of basic needs of various IVHS components, missions of database providers and of various IVHS and mapping committees and study groups. Models for provision of an IVHS database infrastructure are

Cooke, Donald F.

Development of a Third Generation on Board Computer System

89251311/01/1989

An expert software system has been designed and implemented to solve the problems associated with user acceptance of on board computers in heavy trucks. The resulting third generation on board computer system addresses the major marketplace issues responsible for the relatively poor market penetration for on board computer systems. The administrative cost of operating an on board computer system program has been reduced by up to 70% through automating the data management process and automatically providing fleet management with easy to read memos which document the performance of the fleet. The memos are designed for several specific management levels from the driver through the company president. Memos designed specifically for drivers are generated on an exception basis and utilize a unique “coaching” approach to help improve the driver's performance.

Diefenbaker, Thomas A.

Light-Truck Fuel Economy–Trends Through 1984

84140510/01/1984

Light duty truck fuel economy trends from model year 1975 through 1984 are examined, with special emphasis placed on model year 1984. Actual production volumes are given for model years 1975 through 1982. Data for 1983 and 1984 model years include EPA estimates of sales, in which projected sales data submitted by manufacturers were adjusted using the same procedure as described in (1)*. For fuel economy trend analysis, a modified truck classification system is presented and discussed. In addition, the model year 1975 to model year 1979 light truck data bases have been updated to include those trucks with gross vehicle weights (GVWs) between 6000 and 8500 lbs; accordingly the paper treats all model year trucks from 1975 through 1984 as 0-8500 lb GVW fleets. This paper, along with the passenger car fuel economy trends paper (1), gives a complete picture of fuel economy trends through 1984. Combined car/truck fleet analyses are presented in Appendix A.

Loos, S. L., Cheng, J. P., Murrell, J. D., Heavenrich, R. M.

Vehicle Mounted Management Information Systems

82090802/01/1982

A system has been developed which provides management information about the operation of heavy duty trucks. An on-board microcomputer gathers vehicle operating data which is compiled off-board into computer reports. These reports provide the necessary information feedback about vehicle operation to decrease operating costs and increase productivity.

Flick, John F., Salinger, Jeremy A.

Power Plant — Refinery Optimisation in Australia

81140111/01/1981

The cost effectiveness of changes to the power plant are examined. In 1979 diesel fuel represented 12.5% of the fuel consumed by road vehicles and 98% of light vehicles used petrol. The petrol/distillate ratio was 1.33 in 1979/80. A petrol/ distillate ratio change is not a cost-effective energy conservation strategy unless crude oil has a real value greater than $35/bbl for commercial vehicles. The value for cars is $100/bbl or the additional capital costs of $1000 must be equivalent to less than 9c/L of the fuel used per year. Some minor changes in fleet composition are indicated. The use of LPG fuel from indigenous sources is more cost effective than conversion to diesel power plants.

Hamilton, R. B.

Multigrade Gear Lubricants in Truck Fleet Testing—Analysis for Fuel Economy Effects

81017802/01/1981

The use of specially formulated engine oil is now an acceptable means of increasing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In principle, many of the same arguments used to justify their performance can also be applied to gear lubricants. Viscometrics and shear stability are discussed as they pertain to proper polymer selection for gear lubricant service. The fuel efficiency effects for three experimental lubricants relative to a commercial SAE 90 grade fluid were determined from a 3.1 million mile (5.0 million km) fleet test involving heavy duty trucks in normal service. The statistical techniques used to design this fleet test and analyze the data are presented, and the physical interpretation of the results is discussed. The results show that use of properly selected multi-grade gear lubricants can result in significant reduction in fuel consumption.

Stambaugh, R. L., Galluccio, R. A., Koller, R. D.

Effects of Technological Developments on Air Cargo Centre Planning

78087802/01/1978

Planning of cargo facilities depends on important variables such as demand forecasts, technological progress, design techniques and the existing policy directives. This paper assesses the effects of an evolving technological environment on the other basic planning considerations. The nature of the planning process is described and related to a forecasted technological scenario for major Canadian airports in 1990. The impact of planning and operational problems on the substance and scope of cargo related government policy is examined within the context of an actual policy review program.

Koplyay, T., Hanchet, D.

Computerized Preventive Maintenance - Is it Worthwhile?

71066802/01/1971

The costs of truck maintenance record keeping can be significantly reduced by the use of predesigned computer programs. Sufficient maintenance detail may be recorded, classified, and presented in a manner which will enable management to make meaningful maintenance evaluations of their fleet. These programs can provide historical as well as current maintenance data on each unit within a given fleet. Data, initially recorded on forms by the individual mechanic or driver, is edited by clerical people and electronically recorded. The records are then converted into specific maintenance cost reports classified by both vehicle and fleet.

Baker, William H.

Reduction of Diesel Smoke in California

66054802/01/1966

The California legislature, engine manufacturers, fleet operators, and enforcement agencies have pursued an active program of diesel smoke reduction since 1939. This program has resulted in creditably low smoke levels. While diesels do not contribute substantially to total community air pollution problems, the public complains about the bad appearance of diesel smoke. There are many fruitful approaches for fleet operators to reduce diesel smoke, including more strict maintenance, fuel additive, driver indoctrination, and engine derating. Fleets in the Los Angeles area have achieved excellent smoke reduction by these methods and, at the same time, maintain clean, first-class, economical operations. Two of these fleets are analyzed in this report.

Brubacher, Miles L.

Selection of Tires for Over-the-Road Vehicles

65005802/01/1965

Two conditions must be fulfilled in selecting truck tires for over-the-road service: tires must be adequate for the service, and tire costs must be minimal. Four types of truck tires available for over-the-road service are: highway tires -- usable for all highway service except where extra traction is required; “extra tread” highway tires -- usable to obtain higher tread miles when tire temperature is not excessive; “cross lug” highway tires --usable on drive wheels to obtain higher tread miles and extra traction; and special service mud-snow tires -- usable on drive wheels to provide added traction in mud or snow or other limited off-the-road service.

Denton, William

Mutual Advantages of Integrating Bus and Truck Maintenance

64003701/01/1964

An appraisal of the advantages of integrating truck and bus maintenance in a vehicle fleet maintenance program is presented. Basically, reliability and cost are the major considerations in any fleet program. Evidence is presented indicating that generally bus maintenance shops are better equipped, have better trained mechanics, utilize an effective preventive maintenance program, and have an optimum balance between maintenance cost and road failure cost. Generally speaking, bus repair shops can be utilized to the mutual advantage of truck and bus operators by using spare capacity of bus shops and thus eliminating this responsibility from truck operators.

Boyce, Carroll W.

Economics of Periodic Checkout of Engines

63029301/01/1963

Calculations show that periodic engine checkout and maintenance provide considerable savings in man hours and money in the operation of truck fleets. Benefits obtained are increased miles per gallon, reduced engine repair and replacement, reduced low power complaints, and increased availability of units and efficiency.

Robinson, S. E.

Truck Tire Construction — Tubeless — Duplex

63051701/01/1963

Truck tire constructions are the basic foundation supporting the various tire designs and features in modern high speed trucking service. This paper discusses present and new materials used in truck tires. The performance of reduced ply tires with higher strength cord materials is also discussed. An evaluation of tubeless truck tires compared to tube type, recently made by a large commercial fleet, is reviewed. The Duplex tire is evaluated based upon current service applications and the effect of road crown on duals versus singles.

Weber, A. F.

MANAGEMENT, MEN AND MACHINES

60035201/01/1960

SIMKINS, MURRAY K.

FIELD TESTING OF AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS

59011701/01/1959

Methods and equipment used in the field evaluation of crank-case oils and automotive greases are described. Data from a number of field tests are presented to illustrate the results.

SPROULE, L. W., LONSTRUP, T. F., PATTENDEN, W. C.

EFFECT OF NEW LUBRICANTS ON STRETCHING OUT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INTERVALS

56019401/01/1956

True value of new chassis and engine lubricants can only be determined by tests under actual operating and maintenance conditions. Factors other than just the quality and performance of the lubricant, should be considered before any extension of the lubrication interval is attempted. However, under certain conditions, appreciable extension of the interval is possible with the use of a molybdenum disulfide grease. In limited tests, using an SAE 30, MTL-0-2104 oil as the reference, a 20W-40 oil gave greater fuel and oil economy whereas an SAE 30, Series 2 oil gave less fuel and greater oil economy. Additional tests for verification and determination of effects upon stretching out the PM interval are needed.

DACH, A. A.

Fast Replacement or Heavy Maintenance

53025001/01/1953

FAST replacement - with maintenance reduced to the lowest point consistent with safety - is the theme presented by this author. On the basis of TVA fleet policies, he argues the case for fast replacement. He follows up with an analysis of the question: when is fast replacement fast? He cites high job-shop overhead costs, which makes unit replacement of accessories, and early replacement of vehicles, economically inviting - except for large, special trucks. He proposes mass-production overhaul of components on large-volume, nationwide basis. He emphasizes the need for balanced component designing, looking forward to a future when all components in one vehicle will wear out together.

Hudson, Charles C.

Fleet Management: A Job Evaluation

53023301/01/1953

SINCE there are nearly 22,000 fleets of trucks, comprising a total of 1,260,000 vehicles, operating in the nation, this author presents a review of management factors that should have wide appeal. Within the scope of fleet management he considers reduction of capital expenditure and operating expenses, and facilitation of executive supervision. Equipment selection and retirement, maintenance, and vehicle operating techniques are among the topics discussed. He emphasizes the need for better understanding and cooperation between the fleet owner and the truck manufacturer, thus correlating actual field service with design and production engineering problems.

Preble, T.L.

SYMPOSIUM ON LEASING VS. COMPANY OWNERSHIP

52018701/01/1952

Running a Fleet of Trucks without Cost Records Is Like Using a Clock without Hands

48006501/01/1948

Pernot, L. L.

OPERATORS' EXPERIENCE WITH WIDE BASE RIMS

46000801/01/1946

GOHN, E. P.

PRESENT-DAY TRUCK TIRE MAINTENANCE

46013701/01/1946

SORCI, BEN

PROBLEMS OF TRUCK FLEET MAINTENANCE

41003801/01/1941

Glade, Peter

SOME ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF UTILITY FLEETS

C.O.E. TRUCK MAINTENANCE VS. CONVENTIONAL TRUCK MAINTENANCE

37009401/01/1937

Cass, R.

Butane as an Automotive Fuel

34011301/01/1934

RECENT active interest in the use of commercial butane gas as a fuel for highway-transportation equipment, particularly on the Pacific Coast, indicated to Mr. Barnard the advisability of resurveying the field of possible substitutes for gasoline, especially as regards butane. Since rapid developments in the conversion of truck fleets to use butane as fuel took place in the West, Mr. Barnard considers the possibility of the general use of butane in this class of service. After going into detail regarding the chemical properties and performances of butane and gasoline, as well as their economic aspects, Mr. Barnard concludes that an attempt to supply butane under the conditions necessary for highway units eventually would result in a final cost to the operator-on a gallonage basis-higher than that prevailing for regular gasoline. He states that no very widespread use of butane as a fuel could occur without increasing the demand to a status at which the cost would be prohibitive.

Barnard, D. P.

NOTES ON MOTOR TRUCKS

22005101/01/1922

After pointing out that the publication of articles in the trade and technical journals, to the effect that very considerable weight-reductions in motor-truck construction with consequent savings in gasoline and tires are possible, works an injustice to the motor-truck industry and is misleading, the author outlines some of the reasons why such weight-reductions are very difficult to effect, as well as the possibilities of standardizing axle details. The use of aluminum to effect weight-reduction is commented upon and the various advantages claimed for metal wheels are mentioned. In the latter connection the author points out that, while these claims may be true, they are unsupported by reliable data. The greater part of the paper is devoted to an account of a series of tests conducted by a large coal company to determine the relative merits of wood and metal wheels on its trucks. Four trucks, each equipped with wood and metal wheels on diagonal corners so as to secure, as far as

AUXILIARY LOADING AND UNLOADING DEVICES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

12001501/01/1912

CURTIS, EDWARD W.

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